Norwich City Council seeking to appoint an organisation or lead partner to take over the running of The Halls.

Its iconic cultural complex is currently undergoing a major £5 million renovation project.

The council hopes this approach will enable a new, exciting and coherent vision to be developed for The Halls alongside programming, marketing and box office expertise.

However, the council may continue to operate The Halls in-house if this option scores more highly against the criteria.

The council's objectives for The Halls are to:

Complement the existing cultural landscape, supporting the wider cultural provision in Norwich and contributing to the Action Plan for Culture and Norwich 2040 Vision to be a creative, fair, liveable, connected and dynamic city.

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Increase the income generation of The Halls to reduce the operating cost to the council.

Enable the city council to act as a responsible steward of the building, a Grade 1 Scheduled Ancient Monument, and maintain it as an asset for continued public use.

Norwich City Council's Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Claire Kidman said: "When reopened, The Halls will be a more accessible building, contributing to the growing number of people who enjoy creative and cultural events in the city. The Halls will be a safe, welcoming public space which celebrates diversity and a place the city and all its residents can be proud of. In delivering both, The Halls will contribute to the council’s new community-led corporate plan, 'We Are Norwich 2024 - 2029'."

With the renovation works currently under way and progressing well, it is anticipated that the work will be completed ready for the building to reopen in Spring 2025.